Summer Survival Guide: Keeping Kids Safe from Drinking, Drugs, and Vaping
Summer is supposed to be a time of carefree fun—bonfires, pool parties, road trips, and endless late nights. But for parents, it’s also a season of heightened worry. With less structure and more freedom, teens can become vulnerable to risky behaviors like underage drinking, vaping, and drug use. The good news? You don’t have to leave their safety up to chance. The best way to keep kids safe isn’t through fear—it's through proactive, strategic parenting.
Let’s talk real-world solutions backed by science that will help keep children safe.
1. Maintain Open and Honest Communication
How to Execute:
Start conversations about substance use early and reinforce them often.
Create a safe space for your child to ask questions and voice concerns.
Use real-world examples (such as news stories or community cases) to show the consequences of risky behaviors.
Clearly state your family’s expectations and rules regarding alcohol, drugs, and vaping.
Why It Works:
Studies show that teens who have regular, open conversations with their parents about substance use are 50% less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Open and ongoing communication helps reinforce expectations and gives kids the confidence to resist peer pressure.
2. Keep Kids Engaged in Structured Activities
How to Execute:
Encourage involvement in summer sports, arts programs, music lessons, or community volunteer opportunities.
Enroll them in summer camps, workshops, or internship programs suited to their interests.
Schedule regular family outings that promote bonding and engagement.
Help them set personal goals (such as fitness challenges, learning a new skill, or building a portfolio) for the summer.
Why It Works:
Idle time increases the likelihood of experimentation with substances. Research indicates that adolescents involved in extracurricular activities are significantly less likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol, with sports participation linked to a 25% reduction in substance use. Structured engagement provides a healthy outlet while preventing boredom.
3. Monitor Social Media and Friend Groups
How to Execute:
Have conversations about the potential dangers of social media exposure, including substance-related peer pressure.
Maintain visibility on your child's online activity while respecting their privacy.
Encourage positive friendships and stay informed about their social circles.
Discourage unsupervised gatherings where substance use may occur.
Why It Works:
Peer influence is one of the strongest factors in adolescent substance use. 75% of teens who use substances report that their friends also use them, highlighting the importance of knowing their social circles. Monitoring online interactions and peer groups reduces exposure to risky behaviors.
4. Model Healthy Behaviors
How to Execute:
Lead by example—if you drink alcohol, demonstrate responsible consumption.
Share personal stories (if applicable) about past experiences and lessons learned.
Set clear boundaries and household rules regarding substance use.
Reinforce the importance of mental and physical well-being through self-care practices.
Why It Works:
Kids often mirror the behavior of trusted adults. By practicing healthy habits, you provide a clear model of what responsible decision-making looks like. Research confirms that strong family bonds and parental modeling significantly reduce adolescent substance use rates.
5. Equip Them With Refusal Skills
How to Execute:
Role-play scenarios where they may be pressured to try alcohol, drugs, or vaping.
Teach confident ways to say “no” without feeling embarrassed.
Provide alternative excuses, such as, “I have a game tomorrow and don’t want to mess up my performance.”
Encourage the use of an exit strategy, such as texting a code word if they need to be picked up.
Why It Works:
Kids often fear social rejection, making peer pressure a powerful force. Teaching refusal skills boosts confidence in decision-making. Data suggests that kids who practice refusal strategies with their parents are 35% more likely to resist peer pressure.
6. Establish Curfews and Supervision
How to Execute:
Set reasonable curfews based on their age and social activities.
Require check-ins via text or phone calls when attending events.
Encourage hosting gatherings at home where supervision is possible.
Stay informed about where they are and who they are with.
Why It Works:
Consistent supervision decreases opportunities for risky behaviors and reinforces accountability. Studies show that teens with set curfews and parental oversight are 30% less likely to engage in underage drinking.
7. Discuss the Risks of Vaping and Drug Use
How to Execute:
Provide factual, up-to-date information about the dangers of vaping and substance use.
Explain how substances affect brain development and long-term health.
Use resources from reputable organizations to reinforce education.
Address the deceptive marketing tactics used by the vape and drug industries.
Why It Works:
Despite growing awareness, over 30% of teens believe vaping is harmless, underscoring the need for education on its dangers. Many kids see vaping as a safe alternative to smoking, not realizing its serious health implications. Providing science-backed information helps counter misinformation.
8. Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms
How to Execute:
Teach stress-relief techniques such as exercise, meditation, and journaling.
Help them recognize signs of anxiety or depression and provide appropriate support.
Reinforce the importance of maintaining hobbies and passions that bring joy.
Create a family environment where emotions can be discussed openly.
Why It Works:
The CDC reports that 40% of teens experience persistent sadness or hopelessness, which can increase the likelihood of substance use as a coping mechanism. Encouraging healthy emotional outlets reduces the risk of turning to substances for relief.
Real-World Examples: How Prevention Works in Action
To see how these strategies make a tangible difference, let’s look at three real-world stories of teens who faced risky situations—and how proactive parenting helped them make safer choices.
1. Ethan’s Story: A Summer of Risk Turned Around
At the start of summer, Ethan’s mom, Lisa, noticed subtle changes. He spent more time alone, scrolling his phone, withdrawing from family activities. Then came the red flags—late-night hangouts, new friends she didn’t know, and a noticeable shift in his attitude. She overheard him laughing about trying vaping, and one night, he came home smelling faintly of alcohol.
Lisa knew she had a choice: ignore the signs and hope for the best—or step in proactively.
The Solution:
Lisa didn’t just punish Ethan; she redirected him.
She started a conversation without judgment. Instead of accusing him, she said, “I’ve noticed you seem different lately. What’s going on?” This led to a deeper discussion about peer pressure and his desire to fit in.
She helped him get engaged in structured activities. Realizing that boredom was fueling risky behavior, she found a summer job for him and encouraged him to train for a local marathon—giving him a clear goal.
She monitored his social life—without controlling it. Lisa invited his friends over, offering them a fun, substance-free space. Over time, Ethan naturally distanced himself from the friends who pressured him to vape.
She taught him how to say no with confidence. They practiced responses to peer pressure, like, “Nah, I don’t mess with that,” or gave him an excuse: “I need to stay sharp for my race.” By preparing him in advance, Ethan felt more comfortable declining substances.
She reinforced healthy coping mechanisms. Instead of numbing stress with vaping, Ethan learned better ways to decompress, such as running, music, and open conversations with his mom.
The Outcome:
By early intervention, Lisa changed the course of Ethan’s summer. He finished the season healthier, more focused, and with a newfound confidence in his ability to make good decisions—without feeling pressured to follow the crowd.
2. Maya’s Story: The Power of Open Communication
Maya was a straight-A student, responsible and independent. But when her parents found a vape in her backpack, they were shocked. Instead of reacting with anger, they decided to listen first.
The Solution:
They asked her why she tried vaping. Maya admitted she was curious and that many of her friends did it. She didn’t think it was dangerous.
They educated her on the risks. Instead of lecturing, they showed her real studies about lung damage, nicotine addiction, and how vaping companies target teens with candy flavors.
They reinforced their expectations. “We’re not here to punish you—we just want you to understand why this isn’t okay.” They made it clear that vaping wasn’t allowed, but they also reassured her that she could always come to them with questions.
They helped her find better ways to handle stress. Maya realized she had been vaping when she felt anxious. Her parents encouraged her to try yoga, journaling, and deep breathing techniques instead.
The Outcome:
Maya quit vaping—not because she was forced to, but because she understood the risks and had better coping strategies.
3. Jordan’s Story: Setting Boundaries That Work
Jordan was a social butterfly, always out with friends. His parents trusted him, but when he started coming home later and later, they worried. One night, he admitted he had been drinking at a party.
The Solution:
They didn’t just punish him—they talked. “We’re not mad—we just need to understand why this happened.” Jordan admitted he felt pressured to drink because “everyone else was doing it.”
They set clear boundaries. Instead of banning him from going out, they established reasonable curfews and required check-ins. “You can go to parties, but we need to know where you are and who’s there.”
They gave him an exit strategy. If he ever felt pressured again, he could text them a code word, and they’d pick him up—no questions asked.
They encouraged him to host gatherings at home. By creating a safe space for his friends, Jordan could still be social—without the pressure to drink.
The Outcome:
Jordan learned how to navigate peer pressure while still enjoying his social life. He felt supported, not restricted, and made smarter choices moving forward.
The Bottom Line
These stories illustrate that effective prevention isn’t about control—it’s about connection. When parents stay involved, aware, and supportive, kids are far less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
Prevention starts with awareness and action. By implementing these strategies, parents and caregivers can take action to safeguard their children from dangerous behaviors during summer. The key is consistency—reinforce expectations, provide engaging activities, and foster meaningful conversations that help kids make informed choices.
By prioritizing guidance over punishment, families can create a supportive environment where kids feel empowered to make safe and responsible decisions all summer long.
For more information, help, and resources, please visit www.steeredstraight.org or call (856) 691-6676
Our mission is to steer youth straight toward making sound, rational decisions through a learning experience that provides a message of reality to help them make positive, informed choices.
